Anthony Rendon, the Angels third baseman, faced a challenging start to the season, going hitless in his first 21 at-bats. His performance, marked by a 0-for-21 start, 5 strikeouts, and an error, led to a -0.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), tying him for last among MLB position players. Despite a hefty paycheck and questions regarding his motivation, Rendon's struggle drew mixed reactions from Angels fans, with some considering a supportive approach, while others booed him during player introductions. However, the atmosphere at Angel Stadium shifted dramatically when Rendon broke his slump with an infield single, his first hit since July 3 against the San Diego Padres. This moment, ending an 81-game hitless streak during which Rendon earned over $19,000,000, was met with an explosive reaction from the crowd, highlighting a significant moment in the early MLB season.
Anthony Rendon started the season 0-21 and hasn’t had a hit since last July. Angel Stadium exploded after this infield hit @StoolBaseball https://t.co/2GEZpHXD5o
IT'S ANTHONY RENDON'S FIRST HIT SINCE JULY 3!!! The Angels played 81 consecutive games without a Rendon hit during which time he earned over $19,000,000. https://t.co/LALIuFUB5Y
RENDON HAS A HIT AND THE CROWD GOES WILD https://t.co/CHpc9NYqAs
Anthony Rendon legs out an infield single for his first hit of the season 👏 https://t.co/EtLrds8TGP
Anthony Rendon has his first hit since July and Angel Stadium EXPLODES https://t.co/PKO77wAY0L
Anthony Rendon just legged out an infield single for his first hit of the year after an 0-for-21 start. The crowd's reaction may have surpassed that which followed the grand slam.
Angels fans booed Anthony Rendon during player introductions on his “standing ovation” night 😂 I’m glad they at least gave him a dose of reality before his first AB
Anthony Rendon when he comes to the plate tonight and gets a standing ovation https://t.co/Vpe4toRkSX
Is baseball still not 'a top priority' for Anthony Rendon? Angel is hitless in 19 at-bats https://t.co/4QqBwFF1X7
Anthony Rendon has a huge paycheck, questionable motivation and paltry production. Angels fans might cheer rather than boo the third baseman who has started the season 0 for 19. His last hit came nine months ago, on July 3 against the San Diego Padres. https://t.co/uI2MJzwhtu https://t.co/Dz9oUJdOhG
Anthony Rendon, who's 0 for 19 with 5 strikeouts and an error, has -0.5 Wins Above Replacement in just 5 games. Tied for last among MLB position players.
Anthony Rendon is hitless with questionable motivation. Should Angels fans cheer him? https://t.co/4QqBwFF1X7
Angels fans might try the Trea Turner treatment to get Anthony Rendon out of an 0-for-19 start https://t.co/hsSyskDpVM https://t.co/NPx4Tcse1N